DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Thanks to the good fortune that they play in the worst division in the NFL, the Cowboys somehow find themselves in the playoff race despite having a 2-7 record.
Cowboys pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence has never been shy about sharing his true feelings on the outlook of the team. Wednesday was no different as Lawrence shared his thoughts on the team's chase for the NFC East crown.
"Don't ever get this twisted. We're a good team. And it's all about winning games at the end of the day, but we're a good team," Lawrence said, via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. "Seeing how other people are playing and stuff, I don't think we're far behind at all. ... We can make a pretty good run."
The reasons for the Cowboys optimistic outlook on things isn't solely based on the porous division they play in, but it's also based on the fact that their defense has played much better of late.
After moving on from Everson Griffen, Dontari Poe and Daryl Worley, the Cowboys defense allowed only 16 points to the Eagles (the other touchdown came on a fumble recovery for a touchdown), and just 24 points to the undefeated Steelers.
Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who's expected to return this week after missing the last several games with a hamstring injury, says a lot of the credit for the defense's turnaround can be attributed to defensive tackle Antwaun Woods' insertion into the starting lineup.
Awuzie told the media that Woods "always keeps people engaged" and has a presence about him when he communicates.
"He obviously has the play to back it up," he added, via Gehlken.
With the Cowboys defense on the right track, suddenly, it's up to the offense to right the ship. They'll look to do just that with Andy Dalton back under center Sunday against the red-hot Minnesota Vikings.
Dallas was forced to thrust Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci into their first career starts before the team's bye week. With a veteran in control of the offense and an improved defense, don't look now, but the Cowboys only have to win a few games to claim this terrible division.